exclusive interview with i500 winner troy taggart

 Team Arctic racer Troy Taggart won this year's I-500 race in northern Minnesota last weekend. During the week, Taggart is a factory test pilot for Arctic Cat. On the weekends, he competes in cross country races across the northern midwest. We had an exclusive opportunity to ask him a few questions about the I-500, about racing in general and about his big win.

AS: How long have you been competing in the I-500?

TT: "My first 500 was in '97 - from Beausejour, Manitoba to Bemidji. That year was pretty exciting, I made it all three days but broke a chain 7 miles from the finish line- in about 10th place. I've raced the 500 each year since then, but the only other time I've finished was in 1999 - I got 6th place."

AS: What gave you an advantage over perrennial favorites like Todd Wolf and Corey Davidson?

TT: "I don't believe there was an advantage. Racing is always hard work, skill, experience, confidence, and a lot of luck. This was my lucky year. Maybe I just wanted it a little more."
 
AS: How do you keep your focus during such a long race? Do you ever get bored or find your mind wandering?

TT: "When you can actually picture the win, it's not that hard to stay focused. Going 90-100 mph in the ditches, with all the approaches, you really don't have time to let your mind wander. If you're not paying attention, that's when you crash."

AS: When did you start thinking you had a shot to win?

TT: "Last year I had a pretty great run - I was 4th the first day but went out on the second day with mechanical problems. Ever since then I've thought that I could win this one. This year, when I was less than a minute out of 1st on the first day, I started getting pretty pumped. The second day was even better, and then after I saw Dyrdahl broke down on the side of the trail it was pretty easy to see the win."

AS: What does a win here mean for you?

TT: "It means a nice paycheck and the opportunity to keep racing, confidence, and being on the same list as some amazing and legendary racers. Most importantly, this means a great deal to my sponsors who've been backing me through five years of racing."
 
AS: What are your next goals?

TT: "To win it again. The 500 is the best- there isn't a cross-country bigger or better - so I guess the only way to beat it is to win it more times than anyone else. Of course, I'd also like to get that Ironman 250."

AS: Who helped you get to the winners circle?

TT: "There are so many people to thank. My mechanic, Scott Johnson, and my dad, Jim Taggart, have helped me put in hundreds of hours on my sled. Arctic Cat and the crew at the race shop have come through for me with parts and advice, and I especially want to thank Greg Spaulding, Al Shimpa, Roger Skime, Mike Kloety, Corey Berberich, Jeff Olson, Doug Braswell, and Joey Hallstrom- who helped me through my first 500 race that I couldn't afford on my own.
 
"And then there are my sponsors who've been putting up the money and the parts for me. They are: Arctic Cat, Black Magic, Bottom Line Traction, Budweiser, C & A Pro Skis, Commercial Sewing, Exact Machine Co., Express Mart, Kainz Chiropractic, Monsanto, North Woods Beverage, Petro Pumper, SoBe, Scott Goggles, Splash & Dash Car & Truck Wash, Springsteel Resort, Stud Boy, and Universal Screenprint & Graphix."

AS: Any other thoughts or comments on the race?

TT: "This is a pretty amazing feeling. I think it's going to take a long time to let this win sink in. There are so many people who've believed in me through the years, and I just want to say thank you. I'd also like to thank the First American North Star crew for continuing to put on a legendary 500 race."

AS: What kind of training did you do in the off season and before the race?

TT: "I've tried motocross, but I'm not good at it. I start a workout program each fall, but nothing really compares to seat time."

AS: What advice can you give someone who wants to try Cross Country racing?

TT: "If that's what you dream of, buy an Arctic Cat and go for it. There are amateur classes to start out in, and lots of help and support in the circuits."